Finals Week 2

Prelim Finals

Grand Final

2017-09-30T04:30:00Z

Adelaide Crows

Richmond Tigers

Dane Rampe of the Swans competes for the ball against Jack Riewoldt of the Tigers during the round 23 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Richmond Tigers at Sydney Cricket Ground on August 27, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Jack Riewoldt suffers setback in recovery from post-season surgey

Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt has undergone surgery on his little finger, just three weeks after his initial surgery.

Riewoldt has surgery on his finger at the end of the season, however, a snapped titanium plate forced the 28-year-old to go back under the knife.

“I had my right little finger fused and then unfortunately I snapped the titanium plate – the back of it – three weeks in, and had to go back in on a Monday night and have it done again,” Riewoldt said on Melbourne radio station RSN on Friday.

“It’s a thing that’s held me back and been the biggest pain in my bum over this break.

“It’s got to the stage where they could fuse it a bit straight for me. I’ve still got range in two of the joints – it’s the middle one that’s been fused.

“To break it again after I’d fused it the first time wasn’t a great result, but it’s all smooth sailing now.”

The finger has plagued Riewoldt for most of his career, after he snapped the finger in his right hand after it was stepped on during his first game for the club.

The issue surfaced again towards the end of this season, as he began experiencing problem with his ball drop.

“You don’t want to make excuses but (the finger) became a little bit of an issue with being able to hold the ball towards the end of the season. I’ve sneakily held the footy a few times with it now and I’m really confident with where it’s at,” Riewoldt said.

Meanwhile, Riewoldt is also recovering from a post season ankle reconstruction, however, is expected to be ready for day one of pre-season.

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